shape
carat
color
clarity

Best place to buy this type setting

Promise123

Rough_Rock
Joined
Feb 24, 2011
Messages
35
Hey guys,

looking for some help.

I think im going to go with a classic simple setting like this - http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-White-Gold-Thin-French-Cut-Engagement-Ring.html OR this - http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/legato-sleek-line-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-422.htm

I would most likely prefer a little bigger as the review says thats flimsy. i was thinking more like 1.8mm.

Is there a best place/best buy to get this as its pretty common setting?

Also, i want to do an eye clean 1 carat princess in there. Is it best to buy the diamond on the same site (do they give you a deal for both?) or to just go to a local jewelery store for all this? I figure online is a bit cheaper for the same thing.

Thanks,

Chris
 

rubybeth

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Nov 12, 2007
Messages
2,568
I think either setting would be nice, just depends which you like more. James Allen and Whiteflash both have lots of raves in this forum, not sure what you mean about a 'flimsy' review. A wider shank (2mm or more) will be sturdier, but the Whiteflash Legato tapers from 1.5mm at the top (near the center stone) to 2.5mm at the bottom, so I think that would alleviate some of the issues of a 1.5mm all-around shank. Personally, I love the Legato and Whiteflash has ACA princess cuts.

It will be easier to buy the stone and setting from one vendor so that you don't have to worry about insurance for a loose stone while it's being set.
 

Promise123

Rough_Rock
Joined
Feb 24, 2011
Messages
35
well, what other vendors should i check? Im looking for a 1.8mm band as i know she wants a small band, but dont want it too be REAL tiny.

couple other questions:

1. should i go platinum for a couple hundred more?

2. do these sites negotiate on any prices?

3. would you recommend buying the main stone locally?


thanks for your help!

Chris
 

slg47

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Apr 4, 2010
Messages
9,667
1. should i go platinum for a couple hundred more

up to you...both metals have pros and cons. do you know what she prefers?

2. do these sites negotiate on any prices?

probably not.

3. would you recommend buying the main stone locally?

if you get the stone and setting in different places you would need to get an insurance policy in place so that the stone is covered during the setting process. it is easier to get both with the same vendor. for princess cuts I would look for an AGS0 or a vendor who provides ASET images.
 

Promise123

Rough_Rock
Joined
Feb 24, 2011
Messages
35
1. she doesnt know really anything about rings... all she knows is she wants a square diamond (im going princess) and a small band. The vendor told me i should go platinum if i do a 1.6-1.7mm band width as its stronger. Didn't know if he was just trying to upsell me.

2. ok... which vendors give the best discounts to PS?

3. where would you recommend for AGS0 or ASET images... im a bit lost here.


i like this setting - http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-White-Gold-Thin-French-Cut-Engagement-Ring.html

just a little nervous about the customer review on it:

"If you are on a low budget this is nice. I guess from the pictures I expected something completely different. The ring is so much more slim and delicate than I thought. It`s definitely going to bend easily, and in fact the ring I received was slightly bent/warped. I love the center diamond though, so I will either have it reset in something else or just buy the diamond and bring it to a local jewelry store, which I visited today and thought their setting were much more appealing and at better prices. You can`t beat the loose diamond prices on-line though. "

have you seen anything this small in person? is it really going to warp? i was going to try to split the difference and go with a 1.8mm but can't seem to find one.

Thanks so much for your help guys!

-Chris
 

rubybeth

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Nov 12, 2007
Messages
2,568
To avoid any issues with a thin setting, I'd stick with 1.8-2mm. It's really very narrow. I stack two 2mm bands with my 2mm e-ring, and it's still very delicate-looking.

This setting is 1.8 and has the delicate look: http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/petite-open-cathedral-diamond-engagement-ring-1539.htm

As for your other questions:

1. Platinum is denser, but it has other qualities that you'd have to decide if you like--it can develop a 'patina' from daily wear, for one.

2. I think almost all of the PS vendors or those mentioned here offer a PS discount and/or a wire transfer discount. Call and ask to be sure. I think prices are pretty comparable across vendors.

3. A lot of vendors mentioned on PS have AGS0 princess cuts and provide ASET images. Good Old Gold, Whiteflash, and Brian Gavin Diamonds are those that come to mind when looking for excellent princess cuts.
 

pmbspyder

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 25, 2011
Messages
45
Chris - I just went through the same process as you and was looking for the same stone. After all my searches, and checking out every website recommended here, I went with Whiteflash. I got an ACA 1.02ct princess, and had them set it in a setting that I already bought. The entire experience was wonderful, and their bench does fantastic work (if I were to do it again I would buy both the setting and the stone form the same vendor, but I can't help what my gf falls in love with). As for the highest discount, of all the other websites I've seen, their Pricescope wire discount was by far the greatest. With the way they treated me and the finished product, I will recommend them until I'm blue in the face! Also, if you have any questions about color, clarity, etc with regards to princess stones, let me know, as I've now been through months of research, discussions, and appraiser commentary. Hope this helps and good luck!
 

Promise123

Rough_Rock
Joined
Feb 24, 2011
Messages
35
thanks a bunch pmbspyder! Yeah, i might need to pick your brain a bit more.

personally, id like this setting - http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-White-Gold-Thin-French-Cut-Engagement-Ring.html?gid=GAN&pid=k244266&pname=VigLink with a 1.8mm band width.

Maybe, im being picky but this one - http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/petite-open-cathedral-diamond-engagement-ring-1539.htm - (from rubybeth) is 1.8mm but it doesn't look as nice as the james allen band (maybe its just the picture) but the diamonds dont seem to go around as far.

That being said, should i just do as you did and get a setting locally? My gf has no real idea about rings just knows she wants a square main stone and a small band (nervous that 2mm) is a bit bigger than i want.

I am getting a bit confused on the characteristics to look at. Locally, they say not to buy a princess online because they all look different and you cant go by just attributes. However, online seems to have the best deals for similar marked diamonds.

My budget is about 5K for everything. (4K main stone, 1K setting).

I would like about 1carat (could be little less) and want it to be eye clean (i dont care about 10X microscope). looking locally, i dont think id go lower than G (liked a lot of the F's i saw). Clarity i guess i could go as low as si2. But, the cut confuses me on here along with the table %'s.

I want it to sparkle and look like a good size (as ive heard cut makes a HUGE difference in that).

Please help! Thanks so much!

- Chris
 

slg47

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Apr 4, 2010
Messages
9,667
My budget is about 5K for everything. (4K main stone, 1K setting).

I think your budget is low for getting a 1 carat stone. You can get a really well cut 0.75 carat stone in your budget though.

I would like about 1carat (could be little less) and want it to be eye clean (i dont care about 10X microscope). looking locally, i dont think id go lower than G (liked a lot of the F's i saw). Clarity i guess i could go as low as si2. But, the cut confuses me on here along with the table %'s.

I want it to sparkle and look like a good size (as ive heard cut makes a HUGE difference in that).

Please help! Thanks so much!

for cut I would go with an AGS0 princess cut since AGS grades cut quality. here are some examples in your budget.
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8118/
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-8680207
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2668207.htm

as far as the table % that is only one measurement of the diamond. as far as table, generally look for the table to be less than the depth.

Also I am not crazy about that setting from WF...what about this one?
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/legato-sleek-line-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-422.htm
 

pmbspyder

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 25, 2011
Messages
45
slg is right, for 4k you will have trouble getting a top of the line 1ct princess. The stones she found for you are amazing diamonds, she is actually the one who found my perfect stone for me!

here's the thing about buying a setting locally. You will have to send it to whiteflash (or whichever vendor you choose) and pay for the setting fee, which will run you a few hundred dollars all said and told. It sounds like what you're looking for is simple enough that i would get them both from the same vendor - it will save you a lot of money (WF gives a 10% discount on the setting if you get an ACA stone and the setting from them) and also a lot of headache. If you have questions about size/gf preferences, I would go to a bm store and have your gf try on a few things. that will help you easily eliminate certain settings and widths.

I have heard some slightly negative things about some of the work coming out of JA, but I have never done business with them so take it for what it's worth.

I agree about buying a princess online, but if you go with someone like whiteflash, BGD, or GOG, you can see real pictures, ASETs, and be pretty reassured in what you're buying. Also, princesses don't show color as much as other types of cut. I got a a 1.02 VS2 I and it looks absolutely white in my setting. I've heard color is a personal thing, but if you go for something like a H or I you will be able to up the size of the stone. Also, if you do buy the stone online I would stick to whiteflash's ACA (expert are also nice, but check the trade up policy), or BGD and GOG's signature cuts. I wouldn't go for a virtual selection...

hope this helps, and goodluck with the search! Oh and one more thing - make sure you know the size of your gf's ring finger...it will save you having to resize it later

ETA - slg you are quite the pro (and want to thank you for the help you gave me, i wanted to send you a TY note you but there is no pm function that I could find on this forum!). The setting she's recommending along with a beautiful princess would look absolutely stunning! You also can't go wrong with any of the 3 recommended vendors, they are all stellar!
 

Promise123

Rough_Rock
Joined
Feb 24, 2011
Messages
35
Thanks guys!

couple more questions for you....

1. I would like to go up to at least around 0.9 carats. how much do i need to raise my budget in order to do so?

2. slg, i like that setting you sent (especially since it tapers in towards the diamond). However, the one thing i know she wants is a very small band and that is 2.5mm at the thicker part. What do you think of these two?:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/petite-diamond-engagement-ring-773.htm

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-White-Gold-Thin-French-Cut-Engagement-Ring.html?gid=GAN&pid=k244266&pname=VigLink

any others you think would work well. I was trying to go around the 1.8mm band size. Would like to spend no more than $1200 as id rather put most of my money in the main stone.

3. how are the loose diamonds at james allen or blue nile? Is it safer to go with one of the 3 vendors you recommended?

4. Im trying to make this ring a surprise. I was just going to pick out a ring that she wears on that same finger and size it. If its mis-sized, how difficult/costly would it be to fix?


thanks so much!

-chris
 

farmer gal

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Mar 26, 2011
Messages
1,063
This is a little over your budget but what about something like this

diamond:
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2565660.htm

Setting:
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/full-of-surprises-solitaire-engagement-ring-477.htm

Setting:
http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/rounded-open-cathedral-diamond-engagement-ring-626.htm

If it were me I would worry more about the diamond then the setting. Diamond prices are going up so if you want a carat I would focus on that, you can always change the setting later.
 

pmbspyder

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 25, 2011
Messages
45
Promise123|1317476058|3030511 said:
Thanks guys!

couple more questions for you....

1. I would like to go up to at least around 0.9 carats. how much do i need to raise my budget in order to do so?
If you want a really nice stone around that weight it will probably run you from $4500-$5500

2. slg, i like that setting you sent (especially since it tapers in towards the diamond). However, the one thing i know she wants is a very small band and that is 2.5mm at the thicker part. What do you think of these two?:

I like the WF one much better. The JA one looks a bit funky to me, plus reviews on it aren't stellar

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/petite-diamond-engagement-ring-773.htm

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-White-Gold-Thin-French-Cut-Engagement-Ring.html?gid=GAN&pid=k244266&pname=VigLink

any others you think would work well. I was trying to go around the 1.8mm band size. Would like to spend no more than $1200 as id rather put most of my money in the main stone.

3. how are the loose diamonds at james allen or blue nile? Is it safer to go with one of the 3 vendors you recommended?
Both have some very nice stones. However, going with one of the 3 vendors discussed and getting one of their signature cuts will nearly assure you of getting a stone with a lot of "wow" factor.

4. Im trying to make this ring a surprise. I was just going to pick out a ring that she wears on that same finger and size it. If its mis-sized, how difficult/costly would it be to fix?
You can definitely do that if you're sneaky enough. worst case scenario you have to send it back and have it re-sized which is usually a free service from where you bought the setting. You will have to pay shipping and insurance both ways though, which will probably be around $150.

thanks so much!

-chris
 

slg47

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Apr 4, 2010
Messages
9,667
Promise123|1317476058|3030511 said:
Thanks guys!

couple more questions for you....

1. I would like to go up to at least around 0.9 carats. how much do i need to raise my budget in order to do so?

how do you feel about I color?
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8732/

2. slg, i like that setting you sent (especially since it tapers in towards the diamond). However, the one thing i know she wants is a very small band and that is 2.5mm at the thicker part. What do you think of these two?:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/petite-diamond-engagement-ring-773.htm

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-White-Gold-Thin-French-Cut-Engagement-Ring.html?gid=GAN&pid=k244266&pname=VigLink

any others you think would work well. I was trying to go around the 1.8mm band size. Would like to spend no more than $1200 as id rather put most of my money in the main stone.

I think 2 mm is safer. I personally don't like the style of pave in the WF one but that is a matter of personal preference :) The JA one is too thin IMO.
have you considered getting a solitaire engagement ring and then pairing it with a thin diamond wedding band? you would have more money to go toward the center stone.

3. how are the loose diamonds at james allen or blue nile? Is it safer to go with one of the 3 vendors you recommended?
blue nile does not provide images, but you may be able to find an AGS0. james allen will review three diamonds for you with ASETs.


4. Im trying to make this ring a surprise. I was just going to pick out a ring that she wears on that same finger and size it. If its mis-sized, how difficult/costly would it be to fix?
it depends on the style of the setting. many vendors will offer 1 free resize with every order but you would have to pay for shipping (around 100 both ways)

thanks so much!

-chris[/quote]
 

Promise123

Rough_Rock
Joined
Feb 24, 2011
Messages
35
1. I think i care the most about cut and color. I looked at a few diamonds locally and could really notice the yellow with H and below.

2. I have considered a solitare setting. I found a local one i kind of liked but it is no longer at Reed's (it was from ArtCarved). The pic is here on my first post - [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/engagement-ring-advice.166290/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/engagement-ring-advice.166290/[/URL] And yes, then, i could spend closer to $5K on the main stone.

3. Thanks! So, if possible, sticking to those 3 vendors would most likely be best.

4. Yeah, i think im willing to spend a couple hundred extra just to make sure its a surprise.


Thanks again guys!

-Chris
 

CharmyPoo

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Dec 10, 2004
Messages
7,007
If you are serious about a princess cut, I would get the whole set from whiteflash.

Some thoughts:

Stone - many girls say they want square and the guys immediately think princess. There are many other beautiful square shapes like cushions, aschers, jubilees etc. I love square shapes but dislike princess cuts. Did you look at cushions yet a la the Tiffany Novo.

Setting - I am not a fan of the JA setting head and like the WF better. Leon Mege will be out of your budget but take a look for inspiration. With gold prices now, it is worth considering platinum. My e-rings and wedding bands are bothj platinum and 1.5 mm with pave everywhere. I have no problems with them but I am mindful of my rings and careful with them. They are also extremly well made by people skilled in pave. All this contributes to the durability of a setting.
 

slg47

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Apr 4, 2010
Messages
9,667
Promise123|1317485944|3030610 said:
1. I think i care the most about cut and color. I looked at a few diamonds locally and could really notice the yellow with H and below.

2. I have considered a solitare setting. I found a local one i kind of liked but it is no longer at Reed's (it was from ArtCarved). The pic is here on my first post - [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/engagement-ring-advice.166290/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/engagement-ring-advice.166290/[/URL] And yes, then, i could spend closer to $5K on the main stone.

3. Thanks! So, if possible, sticking to those 3 vendors would most likely be best.

4. Yeah, i think im willing to spend a couple hundred extra just to make sure its a surprise.


Thanks again guys!

-Chris

were the local diamonds graded by either GIA or AGS?

here are some more options
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-104046707017
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2668214.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2677742.htm (over budget but closer to 1 ct)

I don't see too many options at JA...maybe request an ASET for this one? might not be eye-clean though (can't tell from pic but gemologist might be able to tell you)
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1381860.asp
 

Promise123

Rough_Rock
Joined
Feb 24, 2011
Messages
35
oh boy.. .thanks for all the advice.

i think im getting even more indecisive now. I dont think she knows what a princess even is, but just wanted a square diamond. Personally, i dont like the look of the emerald or asscher, but unsure on radiant. It seems that you can get more bang for the buck with radiant but dont want to just choose that based on size. Just worried a .75 ct would look really small. But maybe not if its on that 1.8mm band from whiteflash.

thoughts?

- chris

P.S. any reason that whiteflash setting is $400 more than the very similar one at JA?

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/petite-diamond-engagement-ring-773.htm

vs.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-White-Gold-Thin-French-Cut-Engagement-Ring.html
 

pregcurious

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Mar 18, 2009
Messages
6,724
I prefer the JA design much better. The WF head (the part that holds the stone) looks like an afterthought, and it is just sitting in that groove on top of a piece of metal. I had a head like that from WF, and I got it changed at my local jeweler. WF reimbursed me for the work (long story.)
 

Promise123

Rough_Rock
Joined
Feb 24, 2011
Messages
35
thanks for the thought, but that band is too thick for her. finally, i can make my mind up on something!

still unsure whether i should look into radiant diamonds. Can you get them to be perfectly square?

thanks,

chris
 

farmer gal

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Mar 26, 2011
Messages
1,063

CharmyPoo

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Dec 10, 2004
Messages
7,007
I think you should look into cushion cuts.
 

Promise123

Rough_Rock
Joined
Feb 24, 2011
Messages
35
cushion seems to be a bit too round.

i still think im leaning towards princess over radiant.

-chris
 

rubybeth

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Nov 12, 2007
Messages
2,568
Promise123|1317422125|3030052 said:
Maybe, im being picky but this one - http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/petite-open-cathedral-diamond-engagement-ring-1539.htm - (from rubybeth) is 1.8mm but it doesn't look as nice as the james allen band (maybe its just the picture) but the diamonds dont seem to go around as far.

If you like the setting for the most part, I'm sure Whiteflash could add additional diamonds down the sides. Keep in mind the pictures on James Allen are high definition video and not the actual setting.

Does this really look better to you than the Whiteflash setting? http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/sold/pave/2389/Pave-Ring-Setting.html To me, it looks kind of lumpy and the diamonds get lost.

This is the Whiteflash setting: http://www.whiteflash.com/finished/diamond-engagement-rings-4495.jpg I can vouch that their melee (tiny diamonds) are absolutely beautiful. The ring in my avatar <------ is from WF.

As for princess vs. cushion vs. radiant, that's something only you can decide. I will say that I have an X-factor from WF (square radiant) and there are a few benefits: a setting for a round stone does not have to be customized because the cut corners do not need to have special protection like a princess does. If your girlfriend is active, not having to deal with pointed corners (which are prone to chipping) can be very nice. I wear my ring doing absolutely everything, and have had zero issues.
 

rubybeth

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Nov 12, 2007
Messages
2,568
This is the two settings side by side, just for reference.

WFpetitecathedral.jpg

JApavesetting.jpg
 
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